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What is a VPN and how does it work?
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) creates an encrypted connection between an end device and a VPN server, concealing the user’s original IP address. All data traffic is redirected and encrypted via this VPN server, which protects both the privacy and security of the transmitted data. The VPN server acts as a proxy so that the user’s actual IP address is not visible, but the IP of the VPN server is used. This means that third parties, including internet service providers and hackers, cannot trace the activities.
What is a VPN used for?
A VPN has various areas of application:
- Anonymous surfing: It hides the real IP address and makes it possible to surf the Internet anonymously.
- Security in public networks: A VPN offers encryption, which is particularly important in insecure Wi-Fi networks such as public hotspots.
- Bypass geoblocking: Users can access content that is blocked in their region, such as streaming services or websites.
- Protection against surveillance: It prevents Internet service providers from monitoring data traffic or throttling bandwidth.
Is it legal to use a VPN?
In most countries, the use of a VPN is legal. Exceptions exist in authoritarian states such as China, Russia, Iran or North Korea, where the use of VPNs is heavily regulated or completely prohibited. In these regions, only state-controlled VPN services can be used, which largely negates the purpose of privacy. Important: Using a VPN does not protect you from legal consequences for illegal activities, such as accessing copyrighted content without permission.
Does a VPN slow down my Internet speed?
Yes, a VPN can slow down the Internet speed, as the data traffic is additionally encrypted and rerouted via a VPN server. The loss of speed depends on:
- Server location: The further away the server is, the greater the latency.
- Encryption: Higher encryption standards require more computing power and can impair speed.
- Server load: Overloaded servers can also lead to slowdowns.
However, modern VPN protocols such as WireGuard are designed to optimize speed and minimize delays.
What types of VPNs are there?
There are two main types of VPNs:
- Remote Access VPN: This is the most common type of VPN where a single device connects securely to a remote network. It is used by private individuals and companies to access the internal network from external locations.
- Site-to-site VPN: This type is used in corporate environments to securely connect multiple networks (e.g. offices at different locations). Data is transmitted directly between the networks.
Do I need a VPN if I already have a firewall/antivirus software?
Yes, a VPN complements firewall and antivirus solutions, as these cover different security aspects:
- Firewall: Protects against unwanted network access.
- Antivirus: Detection and removal of malware.
- VPN: Encrypts all data traffic and protects against surveillance and attacks, especially in insecure networks.
The combination of all three tools offers holistic protection against various threats.
Can I access Netflix with a VPN?
A VPN can be used to access geographically restricted content from Netflix and other streaming services. The VPN service changes the virtual IP address so that it appears as if the user is accessing from a different country. However, Netflix actively tries to block VPN users. Not all VPNs therefore work reliably. It is advisable to choose a VPN provider that explicitly offers servers compatible with streaming services.
Does a VPN protect against hackers and surveillance?
A VPN offers effective protection against hackers and surveillance, especially in insecure networks such as public Wi-Fi. By encrypting all data traffic, third parties attempting to intercept it cannot extract any usable information. However, a VPN does not offer protection against all threats. Phishing attacks, malware and targeted attacks on the end device can still occur. Additional security measures, such as firewalls and antivirus programs, should therefore be used for comprehensive protection.
How do I choose the right VPN provider?
Important criteria when choosing a VPN provider:
- Server network: A broad network with many server locations increases flexibility and speed.
- No-logs policy: The provider should not keep any logs of users’ online activities in order to protect data privacy.
- Speed: The provider should guarantee fast connections, especially for streaming and large data transfers.
- Security protocols: Modern protocols such as OpenVPN, WireGuard and IKEv2 should be supported.
- Transparency and independent audits: Some providers have their security guidelines verified by external audits, which is a good sign of seriousness.
Is a free VPN secure?
Free VPN services are often insecure and only offer limited protection. Many free providers are financed by selling user data to third parties, which defeats the purpose of a VPN – to protect privacy. In addition, free VPNs often offer slow connections, limited server locations and can be prone to security vulnerabilities. For maximum security and privacy, it is advisable to choose a trusted, paid VPN provider.
Can I use a VPN on all my devices?
Most VPN services offer apps for various platforms such as Windows, macOS, iOS, Android and Linux. In addition, many VPNs allow configuration on routers, which automatically protects all connected devices. Providers often offer a limited number of simultaneous connections per account, which must be taken into account for use on multiple devices.
How do I set up a VPN?
Setting up a VPN is usually easy:
- Registration with a VPN provider.
- Download and install the appropriate software or app on the desired device.
- Login with the account data.
- Select a server from the list and activate the VPN.
For special devices such as routers or NAS systems, manual configuration is necessary, which requires detailed instructions from the VPN provider.
Do VPN services store my data?
Reputable VPN providers advertise a no-logs policy, which means that they do not store any data about their users’ online activities. Some providers have these policies checked by independent third parties to substantiate their trustworthiness. However, there are also VPN providers that keep at least temporary logs, e.g. for diagnostic purposes or to prevent abuse.
How secure is a VPN really?
A VPN is a very secure technology when used with modern encryption protocols (e.g. AES-256 or ChaCha20) and secure VPN protocols such as OpenVPN or WireGuard. These technologies make it almost impossible to intercept or decrypt data traffic. Nevertheless, there are security risks such as DNS leaks or IPv6 leaks, where data traffic is routed outside the VPN tunnel. Good VPN providers offer protection mechanisms such as a kill switch and DNS leak protection to minimize these risks.
Why doesn’t my VPN change my IP address?
There are various reasons why a VPN does not change the IP address correctly:
- VPN is not active: Check whether the VPN is actually connected.
- DNS leak: Some DNS queries may continue to go through the Internet service provider.
- Server problem: The selected VPN server may not be working properly. Changing the server could solve the problem.
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